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Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

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ThePinkGoose
In Your Hands

Member since 8/08

4706 total posts

Name:
Nunya

Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I need work wardrobe advice, please! I've had the same job for the past 8 years and am very comfy here. Although I hold a senior position, it's a small corporate office and most days I get away with wearing Frye boots, leggings, sweater - repeat. The new position i've accepted is for the County and I start next week. I feel like it won't be as casual and I literally have nothing except either casual clothes or business suits - nothing in between.

Can you ladies give me some tips on outfits I can put together? Anything I can/should invest in? I'm dreading wearing heels every day, please tell me that I won't have to? Any way to take some of my clothing now and make it work?

Any pics or advice you have would be really great. Thank you!!

Posted 12/1/14 8:14 AM
 
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Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I'll reply to this at length at work later Chat Icon

Posted 12/1/14 8:51 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

How do you feel about dresses?
I always wear a sweater dress or a wrap type dress and boots in the fall/winter.

Posted 12/1/14 8:57 AM
 

Eunyboo
<3

Member since 7/12

4376 total posts

Name:
E

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Buy work pants (I have three black, two gray, one light gray, one brown, etc) that you can use to mix and match tops with.

Tops I've purchased at Kohl's, JCPenney's, Macy's, etc. I usually either do a long sleeved top (flowy) or a short sleeved top with a cardigan on top.

Posted 12/1/14 8:58 AM
 

alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!

Member since 5/09

18388 total posts

Name:
Allison

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by NervousNell

How do you feel about dresses?
I always wear a sweater dress or a wrap type dress and boots in the fall/winter.



I do the same and I also have one pair of black pants and a few shirts I rotate in.

Under my desk I have about 10 pairs of shoes so if I am uncomfortable or need to dress it up for a meeting I have options

Posted 12/1/14 9:22 AM
 

ThePinkGoose
In Your Hands

Member since 8/08

4706 total posts

Name:
Nunya

Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

UGH WORK PANTS!! I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. lol I am being such a baby about this. I haven't worn work pants in years (8 years!) and when I did, it was in my 20's when I could basically wear ANYTHING. Now I have to worry about things like thunder thighs and muffin top lol I really hate this. Thank you ladies for making this easier on me. I guess I have to invest in some pants first but do they look ridiculous with flats? I'm not a big fan of dresses because I feel like i'm wide in the middle and not too tall. This is just torture for me. I like Allison's idea about keeping a few pairs of shoes under my desk, I think i'll definitely be using that idea.

Posted 12/1/14 9:42 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by ThePinkGoose

UGH WORK PANTS!! I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. lol I am being such a baby about this. I haven't worn work pants in years (8 years!) and when I did, it was in my 20's when I could basically wear ANYTHING. Now I have to worry about things like thunder thighs and muffin top lol I really hate this. Thank you ladies for making this easier on me. I guess I have to invest in some pants first but do they look ridiculous with flats? I'm not a big fan of dresses because I feel like i'm wide in the middle and not too tall. This is just torture for me. I like Allison's idea about keeping a few pairs of shoes under my desk, I think i'll definitely be using that idea.



This is EXACTLY why I wear dresses. I don't like pants. I don't like my thighs. I can never find pants that fit me right.
Dresses are VERY forgiving of thighs, muffin tops, etc if you get the RIGHT style of dress.
Think fit and flare, wrap dresses, etc

Message edited 12/1/2014 9:49:22 AM.

Posted 12/1/14 9:48 AM
 

ThePinkGoose
In Your Hands

Member since 8/08

4706 total posts

Name:
Nunya

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by ThePinkGoose

UGH WORK PANTS!! I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. lol I am being such a baby about this. I haven't worn work pants in years (8 years!) and when I did, it was in my 20's when I could basically wear ANYTHING. Now I have to worry about things like thunder thighs and muffin top lol I really hate this. Thank you ladies for making this easier on me. I guess I have to invest in some pants first but do they look ridiculous with flats? I'm not a big fan of dresses because I feel like i'm wide in the middle and not too tall. This is just torture for me. I like Allison's idea about keeping a few pairs of shoes under my desk, I think i'll definitely be using that idea.



This is EXACTLY why I wear dresses. I don't like pants. I don't like my thighs. I can never find pants that fit me right.
Dresses are VERY forgiving of thighs, muffin tops, etc if you get the RIGHT style of dress.
Think fit and flare, wrap dresses, etc




Really? Every time I try on sweater dresses or something like that, I feel like a cow lol I'm really not heavy, I could stand to lose a few pounds nothing crazy, but my body shape kills me. Do you have any pics or links to examples for some dresses that are work appropriate (not too fancy)?

Message edited 12/1/2014 12:00:55 PM.

Posted 12/1/14 12:00 PM
 

tourist

Member since 5/05

10425 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by ThePinkGoose

UGH WORK PANTS!! I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. lol I am being such a baby about this. I haven't worn work pants in years (8 years!) and when I did, it was in my 20's when I could basically wear ANYTHING. Now I have to worry about things like thunder thighs and muffin top lol I really hate this. Thank you ladies for making this easier on me. I guess I have to invest in some pants first but do they look ridiculous with flats? I'm not a big fan of dresses because I feel like i'm wide in the middle and not too tall. This is just torture for me. I like Allison's idea about keeping a few pairs of shoes under my desk, I think i'll definitely be using that idea.



This is EXACTLY why I wear dresses. I don't like pants. I don't like my thighs. I can never find pants that fit me right.
Dresses are VERY forgiving of thighs, muffin tops, etc if you get the RIGHT style of dress.
Think fit and flare, wrap dresses, etc




Me too. I own one pair of work pants that I wear in the winter if I am desperate.

I also prefer skirts/dresses because I used to wear flats to commute & heels in the office, so pants would be too long with pants & drag on the ground.

Now, I wear low wedges with everything--I commute in them & wear them all day.

You said you have suits? Start there. It is better to be more dressed up in the beginning so you can get a feel for what is appropriate.

You can wear the skirt (or pants) with a blouse or shell, but a cardigan instead of the jacket.

You can wear the jacket with a coordinating, but not matching sheath dress or skirt.



Message edited 12/1/2014 12:08:11 PM.

Posted 12/1/14 12:04 PM
 

charon54
My two boys!

Member since 5/05

7279 total posts

Name:
Rebecca

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, moving from a job where I worked at home or on college campuses, so I was almost always in jeans to a new job where I am the district manager.

I have several pairs of work pants in different colors (from Kohls, NY&Co, and the Limited) - navy, brown, black, and burgandy.

I bought several knit tops from Dress Barn in solid colors and patterns.

I bought scarves and costume jewelry from NY & Co, Charlotte Russe, Kohls, and Forever 21.

And then I mix and match it all. I feel like the necklaces and scarves can dress up a not as fancy shirt. Also cardigans are a must have.

Posted 12/1/14 12:19 PM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I wrote a blog about this years ago, here:

Old Blog Post

But my go-to professional work uniform on most days is dress pants, dressy shell/top, cardigan, high heel boots. SOMETIMES I'll switch it up with a dress and boots or a dress and heels, but rarely.

I'd stock up on some nice dress pants (get short ones if you like flats - I have a few pairs that I had hemmed to wear w/ballet flats, too) and a bunch of shells, and a bunch of sweaters. Then mix and match. I love the look of a pencil skirt or a button down, but I feel like both feel like a straight jacket if I'm sitting at my desk most of the day.

Posted 12/1/14 1:22 PM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by ThePinkGoose

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by ThePinkGoose

UGH WORK PANTS!! I can't even begin to wrap my head around this. lol I am being such a baby about this. I haven't worn work pants in years (8 years!) and when I did, it was in my 20's when I could basically wear ANYTHING. Now I have to worry about things like thunder thighs and muffin top lol I really hate this. Thank you ladies for making this easier on me. I guess I have to invest in some pants first but do they look ridiculous with flats? I'm not a big fan of dresses because I feel like i'm wide in the middle and not too tall. This is just torture for me. I like Allison's idea about keeping a few pairs of shoes under my desk, I think i'll definitely be using that idea.



This is EXACTLY why I wear dresses. I don't like pants. I don't like my thighs. I can never find pants that fit me right.
Dresses are VERY forgiving of thighs, muffin tops, etc if you get the RIGHT style of dress.
Think fit and flare, wrap dresses, etc




Really? Every time I try on sweater dresses or something like that, I feel like a cow lol I'm really not heavy, I could stand to lose a few pounds nothing crazy, but my body shape kills me. Do you have any pics or links to examples for some dresses that are work appropriate (not too fancy)?



I know it's too cold for this now, but I have worn this in the early fall with boots and/or nude pumps.
You can also put a little jacket or blazer over it. It' hides my large thighs and would also hide any kind of bloat/muffin top due to the fit and flare.

External Image

Posted 12/1/14 2:27 PM
 

WhatNow
Say Cheese!

Member since 1/06

8033 total posts

Name:
A (formerly WhatNow?)

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I am with the dresses girls!!!

Nothing is easier than putting on a dress in the morning. Dress, stockings, boots- you are done! Everything goes together, you look professional and well put together! It's easy to find a dress to flatter ANY figure. You just gotta look!

When I worked full time with 2 small kids and my husband was away for a large portion of the year because of his work, I would mostly wear dresses and always get complimented at work on my :great style!" Chat Icon
Which in return always puzzled me because "style" was certainly NOT my main goal, convenience was! But you get what I mean!Chat Icon

Posted 12/1/14 10:24 PM
 

tourist

Member since 5/05

10425 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I recently bought these 2:


Not so bright red in person

colorblock

I just wear them with a cardigan, tights & these shoes

I can't wear the really high-necked ones like NervousNell posted--they are unflattering on my large chest.

Message edited 12/1/2014 11:09:37 PM.

Posted 12/1/14 11:08 PM
 

ThePinkGoose
In Your Hands

Member since 8/08

4706 total posts

Name:
Nunya

Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I love you ladies. Really, I do! I'm heading out shopping later to look for dresses and pants. I peeked in my closet last night and I seem to have quite a few shirts that would work if I can find stuff to go with them (pants!) lol. I'd never have thought to buy dresses as blatantly obvious as that may seem but totally makes sense, dress/stockings/flats, love it. Any links, sales or pics for inspiration are still appreciated. Will keep you posted on what I find. :) :) :) :)

Heather ~ I love that blog! Keep blogging, you're awesome at it!

Posted 12/2/14 7:56 AM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

BTw, Loft now has their regular dress pants, which are usually a 33 inch inseam, in a 31 inch option... which is great, b/c I NEED the shorter length, but not a petite size. So, its cut like the regular 8, but just a little shorter. Got a pair in the mail yesterday and they're great. I'm bottom heavy with a smaller waist, so I wear the Julie fit.

Posted 12/2/14 12:56 PM
 

ThePinkGoose
In Your Hands

Member since 8/08

4706 total posts

Name:
Nunya

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by KittyShops

BTw, Loft now has their regular dress pants, which are usually a 33 inch inseam, in a 31 inch option... which is great, b/c I NEED the shorter length, but not a petite size. So, its cut like the regular 8, but just a little shorter. Got a pair in the mail yesterday and they're great. I'm bottom heavy with a smaller waist, so I wear the Julie fit.



Thank you! That is awesome to know. As you know, i'm not very tall and when I get the 'short' sizes, they are always wider and fit funny on me. The shorter inseam option would be perfect. Chat Icon

Posted 12/2/14 1:05 PM
 

Pumpkin1
LIF Adult

Member since 12/05

3715 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by KittyShops

BTw, Loft now has their regular dress pants, which are usually a 33 inch inseam, in a 31 inch option... which is great, b/c I NEED the shorter length, but not a petite size. So, its cut like the regular 8, but just a little shorter. Got a pair in the mail yesterday and they're great. I'm bottom heavy with a smaller waist, so I wear the Julie fit.



That's awesome! I always have this problem because I need to have the regulars hemmed or size up so the petites are long enough. Yay!!!

Posted 12/2/14 1:33 PM
 

KevinNKristin8-15-08
Welcome to the world Chase

Member since 9/08

6162 total posts

Name:
Kristin

Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

It's funny because I work for the county!!!! I wear anything business casual. Usually dress pants and cardigans and some soft thin sweaters (I don't know how to describe it! Nothing bulky!). Sometimes I wear collared dress shirts, but not very often. I'm not a dress type girl especially at work. My office is very laid back due to the nature of the job and I really can almost get away with anything!

Good luck!

Message edited 12/3/2014 2:47:31 AM.

Posted 12/3/14 2:43 AM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

I have a few dresses, but I feel like I can't wear them as often as I can wear pants/tops b/c it will look like I'm repeating an outfit too soon. How many dresses do you all own? Granted, I only have like, 4, but still. Don't you feel like you're wearing the same exact outfits over and over? Or am I the only person w/this weird hang up? <--- quite possible

Posted 12/3/14 10:06 AM
 

tourist

Member since 5/05

10425 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by KittyShops

I have a few dresses, but I feel like I can't wear them as often as I can wear pants/tops b/c it will look like I'm repeating an outfit too soon. How many dresses do you all own? Granted, I only have like, 4, but still. Don't you feel like you're wearing the same exact outfits over and over? Or am I the only person w/this weird hang up? <--- quite possible



My grandmother shares your concerns! Chat Icon ( for me, not her-she wears pants & doesn't work.)

I do have one purple dress from Loft from years ago that I know I wear too much. I try & change what color tights & cardigan I wear with it. I am wearing it in my Linked In picture, which I thin is appropriate since it is my work uniform.

I don't care so much about repeating outfits in the office. ( I used to though- when I was first hired, I would write down what I wore, so I won't repeat and wouldn't be know, for example for having a "Thursday skirt" or something.)

I go to a conference every year & sometimes am photographed, so I try not to repeat dresses for that.

Right now I am working with 5 dresses. I have 2 more, but I can't figure out what tights to wear with them & I have a few summer only dresses.

I also have 5 skirts that I can wear this time of year. The gray pencil skirt I am wearing right now gets a lot of use!

I only wear business casual 4 days a week--I dress more casually on Fridays--jeans or a shirt dress & leggings in the winter, and a casual summer dress or skirt in the summer.

Message edited 12/3/2014 11:19:57 AM.

Posted 12/3/14 11:17 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54921 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by KittyShops

I have a few dresses, but I feel like I can't wear them as often as I can wear pants/tops b/c it will look like I'm repeating an outfit too soon. How many dresses do you all own? Granted, I only have like, 4, but still. Don't you feel like you're wearing the same exact outfits over and over? Or am I the only person w/this weird hang up? <--- quite possible



I have enough dresses in summer to not repeat an outfit for more than 2 weeks.
In winter, less, because I hate winter clothes so I don't buy as many.
But still have a ton.
Chat Icon
But that's all I buy- I don't own one pair of "work" type pants.

Posted 12/3/14 12:15 PM
 

Seawolf
LIF Adult

Member since 3/14

1336 total posts

Name:
Scrumba

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Let me say I am wearing the new 31 inch inseam pants from LOFT and I LOVEEEEEE them. I have to get them in gray also.

Posted 12/3/14 2:22 PM
 

hmm
Sweet

Member since 1/14

7993 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Message edited 12/3/2014 10:40:44 PM.

Posted 12/3/14 10:39 PM
 

hmm
Sweet

Member since 1/14

7993 total posts

Name:

Re: Changing Jobs, Wardrobe help please!!

Posted by ThePinkGoose

I need work wardrobe advice, please! I've had the same job for the past 8 years and am very comfy here. Although I hold a senior position, it's a small corporate office and most days I get away with wearing Frye boots, leggings, sweater - repeat. The new position i've accepted is for the County and I start next week. I feel like it won't be as casual and I literally have nothing except either casual clothes or business suits - nothing in between.

Can you ladies give me some tips on outfits I can put together? Anything I can/should invest in? I'm dreading wearing heels every day, please tell me that I won't have to? Any way to take some of my clothing now and make it work?

Any pics or advice you have would be really great. Thank you!!

I know a few county employees and dressing up for work is not something done as often as private sector.
In all honesty except for the boots you can prob wear what you did at the old job.

If you want a change a comfy dress, on a bloated day it hides everything. Dress pants and some dress tops, nice pair of heels and some pearls

Message edited 12/3/2014 10:41:41 PM.

Posted 12/3/14 10:41 PM
 
Pages: [1] 2
 

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